EP137 - Journalist and Author, Emily Esfahani Smith: A World Obsessed with Happiness

One Idea Away Podcast

Have you ever accomplished something that you were certain was going to give you utter happiness, only to find a continued void—like something was missing? You’re not alone. Get ready to answer the unending question, what’s it all for? Emily Esfahani, journalist and author of The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment In A World Obsessed With Happiness, breaks down the research to what we need to find, build, and sustain a life worth living.

Emily’s articles and essays have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Criterion, and many other publications. She’s an editor at the Stanford University Hoover Institution where she advises the Ben Franklin circles project, a collaboration with the 92nd Street Y, and Citizen University to build meaning in local communities.

There’s a life bursting with meaning and purpose waiting for you, it’s time you found it.

Key takeaways:

The chosen path. There’s a “happy” life and a “meaningful” life. Pursuing one of these has actually been proven to cause loneliness while the other can leave you feeling connected to something beyond yourself. THIS is the life you should pursue and why…[10:38].

The friendly side. When was the last time you spoke to your neighbor? If the answer’s never, you’re not alone. Communities are dissolving, interpersonal skills such as empathy are on a decline, and while this doesn’t seem to be problematic, the NEED to belong is an existential one. Break this phase of isolation—start HERE…[18:00].

The nonfiction story. Who are you and how did you become this version of yourself? Your inner narrative colors your day, your week, your life. All too often we focus on the negative side of ourselves, the parts that need “work,” but what if we changed that? Learn to focus on the BIG picture of yourself—try THIS…[28:47].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.